Volunteer Spotlight: Kathryn Daniels
Meet Kathryn Daniels! Whether she’s walking dogs at the shelter or supporting highlighting our adoptable pets, Kathryn’s dedication to the animals helps build connections with potential adopters. This is evident in her role as a Volunteer Dog Adoption Ambassador, where her passion makes a positive impact on both animals and people alike!
Q. Describe the specific roles you fill as a volunteer at the shelter.
A. I do a few different things. I’m primarily trained as a dog walker, and that’s mostly what I do. On some occasions, I’ll serve as a Volunteer Dog Adoption Ambassador, which unfortunately doesn’t mean I go around shaking dogs’ paws for diplomatic portraits. I guide groups of prospective adopters through the adoptable pet areas to help reduce stress to the dogs and optimize human-dog interaction. I will often give people some tips, like keeping calm voices and hands, as well as soft eyes, to help the pups interact with their potential adopters and not feel as overwhelmed. Maybe I’d be better described as a People Ambassador! People get so excited when they come to meet dogs, and I want the dogs to be able to show themselves off in their best light.
I also recently started doing a fun new role where I help with the Pet of the Week segment on CityLine, a local TV show. Getting to see how a dog who is shy, withdrawn, fearful, or uncertain just bloom when they get to leave the shelter on an outing is so rewarding.
Q. Share with us how and when your journey as a volunteer began. What motivated you to start volunteering, and why did you choose to volunteer specifically at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
A. My whole life, my family never really had to go looking for dogs. Dogs just happened to us. More than once, we’ve taken in a lost dog, put up posters, and looked for owners. Ultimately, we kept the dogs ourselves and gave them a great life. I’m from Texas, where the number of unhoused dogs is out of control. Anytime we kept a dog instead of taking them to the local shelter, it was a different but equally impactful way to support their work.
I have always loved interacting with dogs who are trying their best despite unfortunate circumstances, figuring out how to help them feel loved, supported, and safe. I’m at a point right now where I’m between dogs at home. I lost my canine soulmate in 2021 and haven’t been in a place to adopt since, so walking shelter dogs is how I keep that need met right now. I’m glad to be a part of the shelter’s mission!
I really appreciate the robust training and volunteer support. I feel like the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County really provides a structure for new volunteers to know what we’re doing so we can be of the most service to the animals.
Q. Paint us a picture of what a typical volunteer shift at the shelter looks like for you.
A. Every day and every shift is different. When I’m walking dogs, I show up, check the volunteer communications board, see how my MVPs (most valued pups) are doing, then start taking dogs out on 15-30 minute walks. I like to build opportunities for enrichment, leash skill training, connection, and affection during our walks. If a dog is super athletic, I’ll build in some additional exercise to the standard walk.
If I’m a Volunteer Dog Adoption Ambassador that day, I’ll head to the front desk to connect with my first group of potential adopters. I give a little shpiel before heading back into the dog kennels, then guide people through.
For my CityLine role, I pay special attention to how the dog does getting in the car, how they do on leash on streets and sidewalks, whether they bark at cats or cars, any behaviors on our outing that might be interesting to note and that we might not know from their time in the shelter. I help introduce the dog to the TV crew and am in the studio to help keep the dog safe, calm, and happy during filming. Then we go for another walk, have a treat, get in the car, and congratulate ourselves on the TV debut! 
Q. Reflect on your most rewarding experiences as a volunteer. What moments bring you the most joy and fulfillment? How do moments like these inspire you to continue volunteering?
A. As a Volunteer Dog Adoption Ambassador, I get to hear a lot of people’s stories. I love getting to meet so many people who are so different, but everyone is the same in their love for the animals and in their wish for the dogs to find loving homes.
Q. Offer a valuable piece of advice to individuals considering volunteering with our organization. What insights or tips would you share to help them make the most of their volunteer experience and contributions to the organization?
A. I think it’s great to train in multiple roles and figure out which ones are the best fit. There are so many opportunities to serve!
Q. What drives your commitment to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County’s mission, and how do you channel that into your volunteer roles?
A. I wish every dog could find their perfect home tomorrow, but I’ve also seen what happens when people impulsively adopt a dog that doesn’t fit their lifestyle, energy level, or schedule. Seeing how the volunteers and staff at the shelter interact with the dogs, especially the dogs who have been here a while, restores my faith that even in a shelter environment, these dogs are getting the care they need and deserve.
Interested in becoming a volunteer or foster? Check out our opportunities.
